Does the Nordstrom Whisper Number Indicate Investor Confidence?

Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN) is expected to report earnings on Thursday. The whisper number is 65 cents, 2 cents behind the analysts’ estimate and showing no confidence from investors. Whispers range from a low of 61 cents to a high of 69 cents. Nordstrom has a 74 percent positive surprise history (having topped the whisper in 31 of the 42 earnings reports for which we have data).

Earnings history:

Beat whisper: 31 qtrs

Met whisper: 0 qtrs

Missed whisper: 11 qtrs

Our primary focus is on post-earnings price movement. Knowing how likely a stock’s price will move following an earnings report can help you determine the best action to take (long or short). In other words, we analyze what happens when the company beats or misses the whisper number expectation.

The table below indicates the average post earnings price movement within a one and 30 trading day timeframe:

The strongest price movement of +4 percent comes within 30 trading days when the company reports earnings that beat the whisper number and +1.8 percent within 20 trading days when the company reports earnings that miss the whisper number. The overall average price move is “positive” (beat the whisper number and see strength, miss and see strength) when the company reports earnings.